Quick Answer
No, you shouldn't rely on factory loads for precision shooting competitions, as their ballistic consistency is generally not suitable for competition-level accuracy, but they can still serve as a good starting point for load development.
Factory Load Consistency Issues
Factory loads often sacrifice a bit of accuracy for convenience and mass production. This can lead to inconsistent muzzle velocities and bullet placements, which can be detrimental in precision shooting competitions. For example, consider the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge: a factory-loaded 6.5 Creedmoor round might have a muzzle velocity of 2,800 feet per second (fps) with a standard deviation of 10-20 fps. While this might be acceptable for hunting, it’s not suitable for competition, where a standard deviation of 5 fps or less is often expected.
Load Development for Competition
To achieve the level of accuracy required for precision shooting competitions, you’ll need to develop your own handloads. This process involves selecting the correct powder charge, bullet weight, and case preparation to optimize ballistic consistency. Using a load development process like the “load ladder” method can help you find the sweet spot for your specific rifle and ammunition. For instance, in the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, you might find that a specific powder charge and bullet weight combination produces a muzzle velocity of 2,850 fps with a standard deviation of 2.5 fps. This is a significant improvement over factory loads and will give you the accuracy you need to compete at a high level.
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